adrien

Been a little while, and the recent encouragement thread inspired me.

I got back into cycling about 8 years ago, after a fairly serious stint in the early 90s. It was something I could do with my daughter in the trailer.

Well, the bug got me. And, when I got out of a very stressful corporate job, I decided to get a trainer and learn what to do and not do, and get to a healthy weight. I'm 6'3.5. In February of 2011 I stepped on the scale and saw a number that scared me: 246. Which probably means I was into the 250s.

Over the next six months I shed 50 pounds. Less food, more riding, plus work on the core, stretching, and a little cross-training. I was disciplined, but not insane about it -- everything in moderation, including moderation. Regime is still to try for three workouts a week, with at least two being more aerobic (mostly cycling, with a little running) and one being stretching, a few free weights, and body-mass strength exercise -- pilates-type stuff. My lowest weight was 199, which I hit in August 2011.

I've since come back up to about 212. Doctor says it's appropriate, and my muscle mass is 135% of predicted for height and weight. Body fat is about 12%, with only 7 being visceral. Bottom line -- my instructions are to maintain here.

I weigh myself at the same time every day, and adjust the day's input accordingly. And I now crave quality as opposed to quantity when it comes to food.

Mostly though, data aside -- I feel great. Last year, I made it up Ventoux, which is a 9-10% slope over 12 miles. It's a killer ride, and a famous stage. I had a chance to go back a few weeks ago, and did it again. Beat my PR by close to 20 minutes. See photo and note slope!

All this to say: it is doable. You can shed the weight and change your body permanently. I've been there almost five years, and can't see going back. Keep at it, all. And keep passing on the good vibes and the advice here.

BadBurrito

well done you!

Stratman351

Good job.

Flatbroke

Yo adrien you did it!